An article from 2013, “Better Colleges Failing to Lure Talented Poor,” has been resurfacing on my social media, shedding light on why prestigious universities like Harvard and Amherst are having trouble attracting low-income students who excel academically. Despite these institutions providing grants and scholarships to alleviate financial burdens, the core issue remains: these talented individuals often don’t apply.
As a low-income, first-generation college graduate myself, this topic resonates deeply. While I hold an advanced degree and work at a university, my children are growing up in a modest, lower-middle-class environment. It raises the question of whether my educational choices will impact their future opportunities.
One insight from the article aligns with my experience: a lack of understanding about the differences between colleges. I began my college journey at 21, having barely graduated high school without knowing how to type or having read a book. My girlfriend, now my wife, typed my papers during my first semester, as I struggled to adjust. I attended a local state college, viewing it as a significant achievement, but the distinction between different types of colleges eluded me.
In my professional life, I worked with a TRIO Student Support Services Program at a large state university, aimed at assisting low-income and first-generation students. A significant challenge we faced was convincing students who had the credentials to succeed at a four-year university to remain enrolled instead of transferring to a nearby community college. Many students, along with their parents, couldn’t see the value in pursuing a university education, even when they had scholarships and grants available.
It’s important to acknowledge that community colleges serve a crucial purpose. However, if a child shows potential for higher education, it is our responsibility as parents to encourage them to pursue it—though this can be daunting when the prospect of attending a university seems overwhelming.
Another key point from the article is the issue of belonging. Despite having a strong academic record, I hesitated to apply to elite schools, fearing I wouldn’t fit in. Instead, I ultimately chose a state university for my graduate studies. This fear of not belonging is common among low-income and first-generation students, often causing them to shy away from elite institutions even if they are qualified.
As a father of three, I reflect on my experiences and the challenges faced by my students. My eldest, now 10, excels in school, yet I find myself anxious about his future college applications. I want him to feel comfortable applying to schools, and while the university where I work feels like a safe option, the thought of elite schools causes me trepidation, mirroring my own fears from the past.
This struggle is especially pronounced for first-generation college students who lack a familial blueprint to guide them through the application process, often feeling immense pressure to succeed. The pivotal question remains: will we encourage our children to take that leap into the unknown?
In conclusion, while elite colleges have the resources to support low-income students, the barriers—both perceived and real—often prevent these individuals from applying. As parents, we must navigate our own fears to help our children break free from cycles of limitation.
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Summary
Top colleges struggle to attract highly qualified, low-income students due to misconceptions about the value of higher education and feelings of inadequacy among potential applicants. As a parent and former first-generation college student, I grapple with these issues while contemplating my children’s educational futures.